How A Weekly Repair Window Project Can Change Your Life

When It's Time to Repair Windows
If your windows require repair, you must be careful when working. First, you should wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.
A quick fix for a window that is broken is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain and insects out of your home.
Cracked Glass
Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to get in. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, like a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are operating properly.
Use clear tape to cover your damaged window, even if it's not broken. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the weather.
If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out an expert. A professional glazier will determine the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.
Impact cracks are the most frequent kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.
Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.
A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It is a curvy straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had a crack at all!
Leaking Windows
If you see a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time to start a windows repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even worsen allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the house.
If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to help you repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, a simple caulking layer is enough to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.
You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. love it designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal can wear down with time and allow water to get into the home.
Another indication of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since window repairs of glass that were tempered became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting components.
First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Then, remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close attention to the areas which were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If you're experiencing a more severe problem, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably better to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the current one.
Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. These windows aren't as energy-efficient as traditional ones.
Installing a drip-cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same function as a real mullion or muntin.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash must be a signal that you must call for help. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.
The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.
It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it can be difficult to insert the new sash in its correct slot and could impact how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.
You'll need to check your window frame, too for any damage or decay. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a larger problem.
If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.